WNBA Free Agency: Shaking Up the League
The 2025 WNBA Free Agency period is already making waves, with several star players on the move and teams strategizing to build competitive rosters for the upcoming season. The free agency period officially began on January 21st, with negotiations starting and contracts set to be signed starting February 1st. The list of free agents this year is long. It has fifty-nine players weighing their options before the WNBA season starts.
One of the biggest stories of this free agency period is the departure of Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally. Sabally, who has been a cornerstone of the Wings' lineup, announced that she will no longer be playing for Dallas earlier this month. This news has sent shockwaves through the league, as teams scramble to secure her services. Sabally's impressive career averages of fifteen-point seven points, seven rebounds, and three-point six assists per game make her a highly sought-after player.
Another notable player in the free agency mix is Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum. Plum, who was instrumental in the Aces' back-to-back championship runs, is also exploring her options. With the departure of general manager Natalie Williams, the Aces are looking to make significant changes to their roster, and Plum's future with the team remains uncertain. On the other hand, New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart has solidified her position with the team. Stewart, who recently won a championship with the Liberty, has been given the core designation, ensuring she remains with the team for the foreseeable future. Stewart has expressed her commitment to Liberty, stating that she will sign one-year deals until the new collective bargaining agreement is in place.
The Seattle Storm is also making headlines with their decision to use the core designation on forward Gabby Williams. Williams, who initially expressed reluctance to be cored, will now stay with the Storm, adding an interesting dynamic to the team's future plans. The reasoning behind her reluctance is it limits her autonomy as she won’t have the ability to sign with other teams freely. If Williams opts out of her contract, the Storm could trade her but if she decides to stay, she would be a key player for the team.
Now, for her former teammate Jewell Loyd, a different kind of story unfolds. Loyd requested a trade from the Seattle Storm due to allegations of harassment and bullying by the coaching staff. She filed a complaint, which led to an external investigation. Although the investigation found no violations, Loyd decided to request a trade as a result. This marks a significant change for Loyd, who has spent her entire ten-year career with the Storm.
Other big names to watch in this free agency period include Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner. She is testing the free agent market for the first time in her career. Her Connecticut Sun teammates DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones will be testing the waters as well. Griner's potential move has generated significant speculation, with teams like the Atlanta Dream, Las Vegas Aces, and Seattle Storm being mentioned as possible destinations. Griner and other Unrivaled players have begun to take meetings with teams in Miami.
As the Free Agency period progresses, fans and analysts eagerly await the final roster changes and trades shaping the 2025 WNBA season. With the new CBA featuring significant salary increases set for 2026, players are expected to sign only one-year deals. This adds another layer of excitement to the offseason. The 2025 WNBA season, set to tip off on May 16th, promises to be thrilling with so many changes on the horizon.
